Google announced a new version of Maps for Android, iOS, and the web today, with a new look and a focus on location discovery.

On the desktop, Google's gotten rid of the Maps sidebar for a more map-centric experience, with a floating search bar on the left side. When you search for a location, the results show up on the map, but not on a big sidebar on the left side. You can filter the results and click on them for some dropdown cards that give you more details. It's a very cool interface, but it looks like it could be a little frustrating if you want a more traditional list.

Google has also added a new feature that highlights personal landmarks, like favorite restaurants and other locations (sourced by the same data that sources Google Now) that help you orient yourself. Certain restaurants may show up on your map by default, but not on others, and you can also see locations on your friends' maps (sourced by your Google+ circles).

It also adds some handy features for directions. If you click on a location, it'll show the names of nearby roads on the map, even if you don't usually see them by default. It's also improved directions, particularly how public transit works, which is nice.

On Android and iOS, Google is looking to improve location discovery. When you search for a location in the new Maps, you'll get a small popop on the bottom of your screen that you can swipe through easily, and drag it up for more details. iOS users will be somewhat familiar with this new card-like interface, but now it's on Android as well. If you look at the details for that location, you can check out a lot of the usual stuff—ratings from users and Zagat—but you can also see deals at that location and save them for later. They've also updated the interface for tablets, particularly for location search, and it looks pretty great.

When it comes to Navigation, Google's added better support for car accidents and other incidents that will get in your way. Just check out traffic view to see them. It'll also notify you if a faster route has become available (say, if conditions change on your current route). These are a welcome change (as long as they don't distract you from the road, of course).

The new version of Maps for desktop is available in preview right now, so you'll have to sign up for an invite to try it out. The new Maps for iOS and Android is available "this summer," so we'll have to wait awhile, but it looks like a pretty solid update. Hit the link below to read more about the new Maps.